Part M Accessibility in Commercial Office Design

Part M requirements for offices

• Level or ramped entry (threshold ≤ 15mm)
• Minimum door widths — 800mm clear opening on main routes, 825mm on accessible routes
• Corridor widths — 1200mm minimum; 1800mm passing spaces
• At least one accessible WC per floor or group
• Accessible route to all amenity spaces
• Visual fire alarm supplementary to audible
• Induction loops at reception and meeting rooms

BS 8300 — going further

BS 8300 provides detailed best-practice dimensions. Not statutory, but referenced as 'deemed to satisfy' in many specifications.

Accessible WC specification

• 1500mm × 2200mm minimum cubicle
• Grab rails drop-down and fixed
• Transfer space 800mm from WC to side wall
• Alarm pull cord to floor + reset
• Emergency evacuation signage
• Colour-contrasted ironmongery and grab rails
• Lever taps, not quarter-turn

Common fit-out failures

• Door widths below 800mm clear
• Thresholds too high on meeting-room doors
• Reception desks lack low section (760mm high) for wheelchair users
• Accessible WC emergency alarm not tested
• Visual fire alarms omitted from breakout areas

What we do

Part M compliance integral to CAT B fit-out and WC refurbishment. See Commercial Washrooms, Office Fit-Out, Reception Refurbishment.

FAQs